Tech Tip: Alignment Specs for 2002-2006 Toyota Camry – UnderhoodService

Tech Tip: Alignment Specs for 2002-2006 Toyota Camry

Behind the Ford F150 and Chevrolet Silverado, the Toyota Camry has been the third best selling vehicle in the U.S. during the past decade. The 2002-2006 Camry was no exception with sales of more than 400,000 vehicles every year.

 

What makes this vehicle #1 in alignment circles is the fact the Camry is the highest ranked vehicle on the sales charts with an optional stability control system called Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) that requires a special procedure and scan tool to recalibrate the steering angle, deceleration and yaw rate sensors.

When you get a 2002-2006 Camry in your shop, it is important to find out if it is a four-cylinder or V6 model, and if it is a SE or LE model. Typically this information can be found on the rear trunk panel above the bumper in chrome letters.

To find out if the vehicle has the  optional VSC system, light will illuminate on the dash when the vehicle is first started.

Suspension

The suspension on the Camry is nothing special and has no real quirks. The only shocker is that the front caster is non-adjustable and there are no special kits or tools to alter the caster angle. If the caster is out of specification, chances are that the lower control arm has been damaged.  

Toyota designed the control arm on the Camry to absorb and deform during impacts so the body and suspension cradle will not be damaged.

Replacement control arms are readily available for this vehicle. Pay attention to the included angle or SAI. This diagnostic angle can help you determine if the control arm or knuckle has been damaged.
The only significant TSBs listed for suspension system concerns noise coming from the upper strut mounts in the front and rear on 2002-2006 models.

The TSBs direct technicians to check the torque of the strut mount and bolts that hold the strut mount to the body. Similar TSBs direct technicians to install an updated mount or insulator between the body. Check your service information for the right information concerning the vehicle’s VIN before servicing.

Another area that has plagued the Camry is the steering shaft and noise. For some 2002-2003 models, TSB ST002-03 recommends using a syringe to apply dielectric grease between the intermediate shaft and grommet in the firewall if the driver reports a “low frequency” noise while turning.  For some 2003-2006 models, T-SB-0296-08 advises to remove and lubricate the intermediate shaft if the driver experiences a clunk pop or knock type noise when turning.

Electronics

Some Camry models are equipped with an optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system that require a scan tool and special procedure to perform a zero point calibration of the yaw rate, deceleration and steering angle sensor recalibrate the steering position/angle and yaw rate sensors after the vehicle has been aligned.  Yes, it is possible to reset the system by jumping two pins in the diagnostic connector and disconnecting the battery. But,  there is no way to confirm or document the calibration was properly performed.

The steering position sensor’s basic function is to monitor the driver’s steering inputs. This includes the angle of the steering wheel and/or the rate at which the driver is turning the wheel. The steering position sensor on the Camry is located behind the steering wheel and is a high-resolution sensor.

The VSC system relies on accurate steering input from the  steering angle sensor to analyze a situation and apply appropriate measures to help direct the vehicle on the intended path. If the system if not calibrated after a toe adjustment, the system will not operate properly and may illuminate the VSC malfunction light after the driver has picked up their Camry.

The Toyota VSC system uses the information from the steering position sensor and compares the information to the yaw rate sensor to determine what the car is doing. A yaw rate sensor is a gyroscopic device that measures a vehicle’s angular velocity around its vertical axis. On the Camry, the yaw rate senor is located under the center console bolted to the floor pan and is inline with the centerline of the vehicle. The sensor measures difference between the vehicle’s centerline and vehicle actual movement direction, this is called slip angle.

When a vehicle is aligned and the toe in the front or rear is altered it changes the thrust angle of the vehicle. The thrust angle is directly connected with the slip angle and the measurements taken by the yaw position sensor. Even if you adjust only the rear toe, you are altering the thrust angle and the steering position sensor must be calibrated. Why? The rear toe adjustment brought the thrust angle and center line into specification, the steering position sensor information has changed and so to has the information from the yaw position sensor due to the change in the thrust angle and slip angle the yaw position sensor measures.

If the error is large enough, it will disable the system and turn the system’s malfunction indicator light on to alert the driver. If the error is small, it will operate as normal until certain conditions occur like driving on freeway ramps and tight streets. Under these conditions, the computer might unnecessarily activate stability control system slowing the vehicle or even fail to respond with the right corrective action causing the vehicle to leave the road.

Toyota recommends disconnecting the cable from the negative battery terminal for more than two seconds before starting the Yaw rate sensor and deceleration sensor recalibration procedure. This resets the steering angle sensor zero point. Before disconnecting the battery, make sure to write down the radio presets. Most scan and alignment tools that can interface with the vehicle will prompt you through the re-calibration procedure.

After you are done, you will also have to re-initialize all applicable systems available on the vehicle like power windows and sunroof. To re-initialize the windows, open the window and close the power window by holding the Auto UP knob ON. Continue to hold the Auto UP knob ON a minimum of one second after the power window completely closes. For the sunroof, press and hold the TILT UP switch until the roof glass tilts upward fully (the roof glass automatically tilts downward slightly after fully tilting upward).

You May Also Like

HVAC Sensors: More Than Just Temperature

When a driver sets a temperature in the control head of an HVAC system, what does it mean to the vehicle? Seventy-two degrees could mean many different settings depending on the outside temperature, humidity and even the position of the sun.

When a driver sets a temperature in the control head of an HVAC system, what does it mean to the vehicle? Seventy-two degrees could mean many different settings depending on the outside temperature, humidity and even the position of the sun.

When a passenger decides that 70 degrees is a better temperature for their zone, things get even more complicated. Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) systems require a complex array of internal and external sensors that include ambient air temperature sensors, interior temperature sensors, outlet duct and evaporator temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, blend door position sensors and sunload sensors.

Nearly 5,000 To Participate In Auto Value, Bumper To Bumper ‘Festive Walk’ To AAPEX 2018

On Thursday, Nov. 1, nearly 5,000 Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper automotive professionals wearing matching yellow shirts will begin their “festive walk” from the Mirage hotel to AAPEX 2018 at the Sands Expo, temporarily shutting down the busy Las Vegas Boulevard along the way.

Drive Belt Checklist: What Are You Missing?

You might have only one chance to sell a customer a new serpentine belt. With belts lasting roughly 90,000 miles, proper inspection at the time of failure is critical not only for selling the belt, but also for ensuring add-on sales and better customer satisfaction.

VIDEO: Using Airflow To Sell Cabin Air Filters

Andrew Markel introduces an inexpensive tool that can assist in selling cabin air filter replacements. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

airflow-selling-cabin-air-filter-video-featured
Air Conditioning Odor Causes

Air conditioning odors typically result from the uncontrolled growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the evaporator. Research by independent laboratories has found fungi such as Aspergillus, Cladesporium, Penicillium and others growing on cooling coils and other A/C system areas.

ac air conditioning smells featured

Other Posts

Climate Control Modules

HVAC control modules may fail when the contacts and switches become inoperable. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Dorman Launches 300+ New Products In November

Among the new products is an OE FIX climate control module designed to fit 1.7M Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana vehicles.

Curing Springtime Air Conditioning Smells

Air conditioning scents can come from a host of things.

VIDEO: Wheel Bearing Preload And Load Paths

If you’re replacing a wheel bearing, you should also check the alignment. This video sponsored by GMB.